This June Workout Calendar will make you :)

Hey guys!

It’s the beginning of a brand new month and in just a few weeks…it will be the official start of Summer! Ahh!!! My favorite month of all! It’s perfect romper weather. I am just swimming in glee :)

Alright, now can we talk about the cal? Because we ‘gon talk about the cal.

Last month was all focused on the 6-Week Body Toning Bootcamp, so quite a few passionate POPsters were upset at repetitive workout plan for May. For those of you who embraced the shake up and saw new changes in your body – thank you! And for those of you who were like “nope, not for me”, thank you too for your vocalness.

For June, I’m going back to classic Blogilates style where you’ll find a ton of variety in the workout selection! Check it out:

Download Linked PDF  |  Download Hi-Res JPEG

Isn’t it so pretty and summery? I love it! If I were you, I’d download the JPEG and make it my desktop background! That way, you’ll feel accountable and won’t miss a workout! Also, take advantage of the linked PDF. Just click on the video name and boom, it’ll start playing. No time wasted looking for the right vid!

This month is the start of the Apartment-Friendly series on my channel! Even if you’re not going to try my first workout now, just click play so you can look at this cool loft I shot in…

AHH isn’t it amazing!? I am in LOVE with the plants, the brick, the string lights…EVERYTHING!

I think your neighbors will be very happy to not hear you jumping all over the place! But this doesn’t mean that the workouts won’t be intense. PUH-LEEZE. We’ll be working out to the music and flowing hard. It’s gonna be fun and fierce!!!

Also!

If you’re wondering where all my workout clothes are from, they’re all POPFLEX! Durr! The black top I’m wearing is brand new. The Danger Tank comes in Night and Cabernet!

I love this tank so much and have been waiting to release it for a long time! I wear a size 4 if that helps any of you make a decision! Make sure you guys read the “Stylist’s Tip” on the site if you’re unsure on whether to size up or down etc.

Okay, let’s all promise ourselves that we’re going to have an AMAZING JUNE!!! C’mon let’s work hard and enjoy the results we earn by doing so.

Love you so much!

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Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

‘Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City’ by Matthew Desmond is a piece of contemporary narrative non-fiction reporting very much in the same vein as one of my favourite non-fiction books of 2016 Another Day in the Death of America … Continue reading →

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Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vigan

After a break from Man Booker International Prize shadowing duties last month, I have returned to reading translated fiction with ‘Based on a True Story’ by Delphine de Vigan translated from the French by George Miller. It is about a middle-aged … Continue reading →

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Right crop, right place: choosing what goes where in your veg patch

Sun or shade, sandy soil or thick clay, there’s a vegetable crop for every spot, writes Lucy Chamberlain

Read part one of Lucy’s series on vegetable gardening.

I’ve just wandered into my vegetable garden and picked a bowlful of lush salad leaves for lunch. They’re growing alongside a double row of spring cabbages which look equally plump and verdant. There are two good reasons for this perfect, palatable growth – moisture and shade.

So often we choose what fruit, veg and herbs to grow at home simply because of what we like to eat. That is absolutely the right reason, but why is so little emphasis put on their growing preferences? Scan any bookshop shelf and the gardening section is rich with titles on plants for shade, drought-resistant gardening and shrubs for troublesome clay soils. It’s been imprinted upon our brains to ask what an ornamental plant’s growing requirements are (you wouldn’t think to grow rhododendrons on chalky soil) but shouldn’t we treat veg in the same way?

Continue reading...

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Thank You Kind Stranger…

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

The other day when Sam and I were in Singapore, we were in line for some smoothies, needing to desperately hydrate ourselves from the scorching hot sun. I had just taught a huge class at Fitness Fest and was feeling nauseous and weak from the heat.

The only thing I wanted was an ice cold smoothie. We searched around and eventually found a smoothie stand by our hotel. It looked like an oasis in the desert.

I looked at the menu and picked the one with fresh mangoes and dragonfruit in it. I could’t wait for the sweet and tangy nectar to cool on my tongue. Sam picked one that was a little creamier – something with yogurt and matcha.

When we pulled out our wallets to pay, the cashier shook her head and told us that she could not take MasterCard or Visa. Darn, I thought. We didn’t have time to change our currency because we basically flew in, got off the plane and went straight to work. Besides the credit cards, we only had US dollars. But, it would not suffice.

Feeling defeated and very dehydrated, we walked away when a complete stranger said “I’ll pay for them.”

Wait…what?

We turned around to see this young man walking towards the counter with some Singaporean cash, urging the cashier to take it. We kept telling him “No, please don’t” but he insisted.

The thing that happened next was beautiful.

The cashier saw his kindness and whipped up a free smoothie for him while blending 2 for us. Of course the young man insisted that she take the money for his smoothie too. She didn’t want to and kept denying it. But, eventually the guy won and she reluctantly accepted it.

All 3 of us patiently waited for our smoothies in an awkward, beautiful and grateful silence. I didn’t really know what to say because I was so taken aback emotionally. We tried to offer him our US dollars but he would have none of it. After a few minutes, we all got our drinks, and we thanked him endlessly. Then, we parted ways. Probably never to see each other again.

But, I’ll never forget him.

How could a complete stranger who didn’t even know me do something like that for me? His random act of kindness means so much to me and speaks VOLUMES about his character. A genuinely good human who isn’t asking for anything in return. A kind human who just wants to help. That’s who I want to be everyday.

Ahh…this is what we need more of in the world. THANK YOU STRANGER, not only for the smoothie, but for inspiring me to be more giving. I will not let your kindness go to waste. The ripple will continue to spread.

Thank you.

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Assessing Risks

Systematic risk assessments reveal the hazards in a work environment. As an employer, it can help you determine if you have done enough in implementing safety measures to protect your workers.

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When to do a risk assessment
Risk assessments are an organized method of evaluating risks in a workplace and ensuring preventive measures are taken in order to protect your workers. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation states risk assessment requirements for companies in B.C.

For small organizations, you can choose to carry out the risk assessment yourself as long as you’re certain that it will be done properly. However, for larger organizations, you might want to involve a health and safety representative to ensure that the assessment is correctly performed.

The risk assessment must be done for each of your work locations, as hazards may vary from place to place.

Regularly review the completed risk assessment to ensure its efficiency, especially when introducing new elements in the work process. Update risk assessments at least once a year.

Decide who might be harmed and how
The best way to control the risk is to identify which group of people might be harmed.

Consider the following:

• According to the OHS regulation, there are different requirements for certain groups such as new, temporary or isolated workers.
• Ensure that training and other information is also given to people who are often absent in the workplace (such as maintenance and field workers).
• Consider how people outside your workforce can be affected by hazards in your work environment.

Determine the level of risk
Another factor in risk assessment is determining the degree of hazard that workers are exposed to. Rating the risks as high, medium or low can help you figure out which risks should be more urgently attended to.

Record your findings
Record the accumulated data from the risk assessment in order to effectively control the risks in the work environment. It doesn’t need to be a complex report. Just make sure that it includes the hazards, list of groups who might be harmed, and measures taken to contain the risks.

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

The post Assessing Risks appeared first on Working Safety Solutions.

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A lil YOLO ain’t gonna hurt nobody

Hey guys! 

I’m currently in Tokyo right now on a layover from Singapore to LA! I just downloaded the WordPress App on my phone in hopes that it can help me blog more frequently while on the go. It’s something I’m REALLY trying to work on!

I used to blog 7x a week a few years ago and now I’m lucky if I get 1 in a week. I think with the expanse of social media, releasing content on several platforms a day has become very taxing. In many ways, IG has become my new mini blog but it’s only because it’s “easier” to write captions and get quick thoughts out. The problem is…the IG follower is not typically a reader type! They’re usually more visual! So I really do want to share my personal thoughts here on the blog as much as possible.

And so far…I’m loving the app!! Currently about 8 minutes into using it FYI.

I’m sitting at the airport trying to sneak in a post before I get on the plane and I think I can do this all from my phone! Oh look I can use emojis!!!

Anyway, eating clean during travels has ALWAYS been hard for me for many reasons.

1. It feels like a vacation so I want to eat everything.
2. I can’t cook so options are limited.
3. When you’re out with people, it’s hard to limit your diet around temptations.
4. I nah never be back! So I’ve got to try the local food!

For these reasons and for the reason of truly experiencing life, I’ve officially decided that if I’m traveling I’m not going to be strict with my diet! Boom! Easy as that!

Honestly, if I eat some ice cream for dessert or some extra fried whatevers for appetizers, I’ll deal. My body isn’t stupid. It knows how to bounce back. It’s not like I’m eating fatty, sugary things only for the rest of my life. It’s just the trip! And the thing is – as long as I know that it is MY CHOICE to enjoy, then it is also MY CHOICE to not feel guilty.

If you have a complicated relationship with food, it’s not going to be as easy as I just described above. Trust me, it took me a couple years of trying to break out of “food jail” until I felt freedom eating whatever I wanted. One step at a time. 

Remember that you control the food.

The food does not control you.

So anyway, those matcha milkshakes above…WORTH IT!!! But I totally have pimples on my face today – less than 12 hours after I ate that! Haha crazy. My skin reacts fast. But hey, I’m not going to get down on myself for that. I know I’m lactose intolerant. I know dairy makes me break out. But I made the conscious decision to enjoy my shake and I made the conscious decision to not feel bad about it.

My skin will clear up in a few days. No worries  

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Identifying Hazards

Correctly recognizing potential hazards is the first step in ensuring the safety of workers. Look for anything (object or process) that might threaten your workers on site.

Image Source: Flickr

Begin identifying hazards by doing a workplace inspection. Roam around the workplace:

• Examine how each task is executed
• Evaluate equipment and how it is used
• Analyze the arrangement of work areas and how any of the processes or materials used can possibly pose a threat to your workers’ health

Generally, hazards may emerge from the following:

• Work area
• Machinery and materials used
• Work assignments and how they are done
• Work layout and supervision

If you’re used to working in a certain environment, you might not see potential hazards.  To identify these hazards, here are some tips to help you out:

• For machinery and materials (especially those that are hazardous), always check manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets. Also, consider the effects of long-term exposure.
• Check commonplace tasks like maintenance, cleaning, or shifting production schedule.
• Study incident reports including complaints and worker health records to recognize unnoticed hazards. Reviewing previous incidents may reveal a certain pattern that can aid you in recognizing any systemic hazard.
• Keep communications open with workers and ask them about any observed health and safety concerns. Probe anonymously, using open-ended questions. You can even acknowledge workers who are able to recognize hazards early as it ultimately helps your business.
• Monitor industry organizations, manufacturers, and government laws regarding industry safety standards and information on hazards and risks related to your industry.
• Check out resources for information on prevalent hazards in different industries, including those that are caused by tools and machinery.
• Once hazards are identified, assessment and control of the risks will follow.

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

The post Identifying Hazards appeared first on Working Safety Solutions.

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Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

‘Alias Grace’ by Margaret Atwood is based on the true story of Grace Marks, a servant convicted of the notorious double murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper and mistress Nancy Montgomery alongside stable hand James McDermott in Toronto … Continue reading →

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Shhh! Quiet in the garden please

Quiet Garden Movement host Tina Jefferies reflects on the benefits of opening up her garden to visitors seeking a chance to connect with nature

Tuning in to the quiet of a garden is a powerful antidote to a noisy, busy life. For many years of my working life, I have supported people with heavy commitments and pressured lives. Offering them the quiet of a peaceful natural environment can encourage people to de-stress, step back, and focus on new perspectives.

In 2011, a friend suggested that what I was doing with my garden was akin to what the Quiet Garden Movement had being doing in the UK since 1992: I decided to find out more. Member hosts of the movement make their gardens available through the year for restful, reflective refreshment and warm hospitality. Realising my garden needn’t be manicured, of sizeable acreage, or clinging to an isolated hillside, my Sanctum Quiet Garden became affiliated to this wonderful network of special gardens in June of the same year.

Continue reading...

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Want to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin? Start digging for worms

We all know what an earthworm looks like, but scientists have surprisingly little information on the worm species living in our gardens and allotments. Here’s how you can help

“There are few animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world than the earthworm” - so wrote Charles Darwin in his best-selling book The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms, which was based on his observations of earthworms in his own garden at Downe, Kent.

Now, 135 years later, we still don’t know how many and what types of earthworms there are in gardens, allotments, and other green spaces - despite their importance in creating healthy soil.

Continue reading...

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

I was half way through reading ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari on the tube the other week when a fellow commuter asked me what the book is about. Even though I have been writing reviews … Continue reading →

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Preparing the garden for drought

A dry spring means some British gardens are already starting to show the symptoms of drought. It pays to be prepared for water shortages, says Charlie Hart

All this talk of the likely drought this summer has left me feeling rather smug. I garden in the driest region of Britain: in fact, I garden in the driest part of the driest region in Britain. Beth Chatto’s famous “dry” garden (planted into gravel over a former car park and never, ever, watered) is only 10 miles away. Here in the east we are tooled up and ready to deal with drought - we have to be.

Last week Monty Don tweeted that a drought in Herefordshire was always welcome simply because they never have one there. The division between the prevailing climate in the west, and that in the east, effects our regional culture and traditions. It is not a coincidence that livestock fare the best where the grass grows greenest (it is well watered in the west country) and that the dry east, known in the old days as “corn country”, is favourable for arable or fruit.

Continue reading...

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Do you have a strong woman in your life? GIVEAWAY TIME!

Hey guys!

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’m trying to be a good daughter by planning a lil trip for my fam this weekend! Actually, Jackelyn pushed me to stop working on the weekends and she’s helping me get everyone together. I got us a cool AirBnB on the beach!

My mom loves the ocean and sunsets so I think she’ll enjoy it. She works so hard taking care of the family, so I really wanted to surprise her with something special.

Do you guys think I should vlog it? Maybe take some photoshoot pics? Either way, it should be a good mini vacay with the fam. I hope we don’t end up just yelling at each other the whole entire time….I’m going to try to instill the relaxation vibes as soon as we get there! :D

Mother’s Day.

Obviously a day to honor all the mama’s in the land, but also a day to send love to ALL the strong women in our lives too. One of my good friends from high school just gave birth to her first baby boy today! It is SO CRAZY what women can do. WE MAKE HUMANS.

WHAT.

I’m making an effort to spend more time with my girl friends this year because they make me happy. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful, positive, smart and talented ladies like these…

Last night when I was at UC Riverside teaching a POP Pilates Class and doing a Q&A, one of the questions asked was “How does it feel to be a part of the Girl Love Squad?” Hahaha – I didn’t even know our friend group aka “squad” had a title. But I guess it does now and I’m ok sticking to it!

The squad consists of Rosanna Pansino, Lilly Singh, Justine Ezarik, Lindsey Stirling, and me! We naturally formed a bond when we all went to dinner together and started connecting over discussions regarding business, YouTube, boyfriends, managers, and being our own girl boss etc. I love that we all have different talents and bring something unique to the table in a humble and grateful way. So to answer that POPster’s question on how I feel about being part of the Girl Love Squad…I honestly feel…included.

I know that is a weird thing to say but I’ve never been “popular” and I always have felt left out when it came to social activities. But now, I feel like I have friends who get me, accept me, and respect me. It’s a really nice feeling :)

But also!! I feel like I am a real life Sailor Scout out to fight evil and promote happiness!

Hmm, actually I think these Disney princesses are much more accurate. 

BTW…I am working on a new Disney Princess sketch for you guys that focuses on DIETS. I think you will love it! Hopefully it’ll come out by the end of the month if we get everything together!

I really hope you guys are CHOOSING to surround yourself with inspirational friends who encourage you to be better versions of yourself everyday. Get rid of that negative, competitive attitude that many women have towards each other. Choose to LIFT each other up and help each other GROW, instead of tearing each other down. Learn from each other. Be kind to each other.

On this planet, we all have this one life to live. So choose to make it the best, most positive experience. It starts with people. And it ends with love. We all want to be loved, so choose to give love to someone else. It’s the best gift anyone can give.

Now…in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving you a chance to win this POPFLEX x PIIT28 prize pack for you AND another strong woman in your life! That means I’m giving away 2 of these prize packs!

POPFLEX x PIIT28 Prize Pack:

• $100 gift card to popflexactive.com
• PIIT28 Transformation Pack ($99) which includes:
  • PIIT28 1.0
  • PIIT28 2.0
  • PIIT28 3.0
  • The 28 Day Reset

The Rules:

• Comment below and tell me who you’d give the Prize Pack to and why she deserves it.
• Begins today and ends 10am PST on Mother’s Day, May 14th, 2017.
• Winner will be announced on this blog post on Mother’s Day!
• Open to all POPsters internationally.
• 1 comment = 1 entry. Enter as many times as you would like.

 

Now go shower the LOVE in the comments. Share the gift of health, fitness, and fashion (c’mon don’t we all love clothes!!??) with another strong woman in your life. I cannot wait to read all of your submissions! Good luck!

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I'm proud to be a horticulturist

I may be a lowly apprentice of the skilled trade of horticulture, but one day I aspire to be a master

I love my allotment. It’s not an official allotment, it is someone else’s back garden that my partner and I use to grow plants. It made sense for the owners to let us tale care it; they no longer have to pay someone to come and strim it twice yearly.

We don’t grow much by way of vegetables there; a plant or two of Daubenton kale, some garlic and some salad. Instead we use it to grow those things that would add extra pounds to our weekly shop, such as fruit and cut flowers. We get umpteen punnets of fruit each year from our four blueberry bushes, and the strawberries and raspberries rarely make it as far as the house. It’s also the overflow to our own garden and nursery, the place where the plants that I just couldn’t resist end up. It’s home to my rhododendrons, a range of woodland floor ephemerals, a collection of species hellebores and huge towering echiums.

Continue reading...

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Due Diligence and Workplace Safety

Due diligence involves doing all reasonable steps in ensuring that a worker is kept from harm. “All reasonable steps” pertains to the degree of care a person is anticipated to do during an incident. Taking all measures to ensure that workers’ health and safety are prioritized makes an organization duly diligent.

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To be duly diligent, an employer is required to:

• Determine all hazards in the workplace
• Carry out the needed risk controls
• Openly communicate to involved personnel

Steps to being duly diligent

1. Be informed

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It is your responsibility as an employer to know your legal, health, and safety obligations which can be found in The Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

2. Be objective

Seek help from knowledgeable people in the workplace or from professionals in certain fields as you try to recognize any potential hazards.  Make sure you complete inspections, and review previous occurrences and trends.

3. Be proactive

Display due diligence by developing an effective health and safety program that ensures workers are trained in following rules and regulations dedicated to diminish any hazard in the workplace. This program should contain best work practices, health and safety information, and other measures in compliance with the Regulations and internal policies.

4. Be watchful

Regularly use self-evaluations in checking systems and processes. Constantly review health, safety, and best practices in the workplace and apply any changes in the Regulations and industry set standards.

5. Be on record

Be able to provide proof of your health and safety program and how it is implemented in the workplace.  Be able to include evidence of checking and reviewing all processes and practices to assure continuous monitoring. The Due Diligence Checklist can help you determine if you have the adequate documentation for an active health and safety program.

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

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The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau by Graeme Macrae Burnet

I really enjoyed reading His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet after discovering it through the Man Booker Prize shortlist last year. His 2014 debut novel ‘The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau’ which was also published by Contraband tells the story … Continue reading →

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Man Booker International Prize Reviews: Part 5 (and the shadow panel shortlist)

The Man Booker International Prize shadow panel’s scores are in and we can now announce our own shortlist of six books. They are: Compass by Mathias Énard (translated from the French by Charlotte Mandell) The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen (translated from the Norwegian … Continue reading →

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Mould

Mould is known to grow quickly in any moist environment. And as it grows, it can release spores that are hazardous to human health, especially to people with asthma, allergies, and weak immune systems.

Image Source: Flickr

How workers are exposed
Moulds are easily found everywhere because they only need water and a source of food to grow. Airborne mould spores in large quantities can pose a hazard to workers who inhale it.
There are even certain types of moulds that can produce mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can pose a greater threat to both human and animal health.
Dark, humid, and steamy places are where moulds survive. Commonly, they are found in bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated environments.

The risks
Most people don’t experience any health issues when exposed to moulds. However, workers with weak immune systems can be inflicted with severe illness or conditions such as allergic reactions or respiratory problems.

How to reduce the risks
Prevention is the best way to avoid moulds. Water leaks should be fixed right away and standing water should be mopped.
The employer must inspect the workplace if workers start to complain about the air quality. If mould contamination is confirmed, then suitable action must be taken to remove it. A trained abatement team can safely take care of removing the mould. Then the source of water must be found to stop the mould from growing once more.
Eliminating the source of exposure is the best form of risk control. The controls below are arranged in order of efficiency. Choose which one to apply by asking yourself the questions after each control.

Elimination or substitution
The most efficient control is to fully eliminate the source of hazard by substituting a safer method or material.

• Can mould-proof building materials be used in areas prone to it?

Engineering controls
Physical alterations to the facility, machinery, and methods used can help lessen exposure.

• Can mould exposure be monitored?
• Can short-term enclosures be made for moldy materials?
• Can air filters and enclosures be installed in mould removal work areas to prevent the spread of airborne spores?

Administrative controls
Changes to rules and regulations at work, distribution of awareness materials, and training in proper safe work practices are all part of administrative controls.

• Is there a written exposure control plan for mould?
• Are warning signs posted in mould removal work areas?
• Are safe work practices posted in areas that can be seen by workers?

Personal protective equipment
Another control must be used together with personal protective equipment because this is the least effective among all controls.

• Are workers doing mould cleanup wearing their proper personal protective equipment such as respirators, eyewear and clothing?
• Are respirators properly checked and in perfect working order?

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

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